Interesting piece. We used to have a lot of these in Pennsylvania, but they fell into disuse with the advent of new technology. I remember seeing adds for people to work in the towers during the summer as a fire lookout. After I read your article I did a quick google search and found that some towers are actually being revived in PA for various reasons.
Thanks for your comments! There were many fire lookouts here in the Black Hills at one time - more than one would think for an area only around 5000 square miles. People in the forest service here say that the altitude helps the air dry out fast and can quickly raise the risks for fire anytime the weather is warm. The total percentage of forest destroyed by forest fires just across the border in Nebraska has been much higher than here, despite being lower altitude. Are forest fires a perpetual major risk in Pennsylvania like they are here?
Woodswalker - Feb 10, 2017 4:31 am - Voted 10/10
Fire TowersInteresting piece. We used to have a lot of these in Pennsylvania, but they fell into disuse with the advent of new technology. I remember seeing adds for people to work in the towers during the summer as a fire lookout. After I read your article I did a quick google search and found that some towers are actually being revived in PA for various reasons.
scramblingbadger - Feb 11, 2017 1:38 am - Hasn't voted
Re: Fire TowersThanks for your comments! There were many fire lookouts here in the Black Hills at one time - more than one would think for an area only around 5000 square miles. People in the forest service here say that the altitude helps the air dry out fast and can quickly raise the risks for fire anytime the weather is warm. The total percentage of forest destroyed by forest fires just across the border in Nebraska has been much higher than here, despite being lower altitude. Are forest fires a perpetual major risk in Pennsylvania like they are here?